Page 23 of Cocky Secrets

“When you say that, Sugar Pop, it sounds like you’re saying you want me.”

Eyes locked, I start to admit it, but just as I’m about to, just as Iopen my mouth to say the words,the rumble of his engine warns us of Dad’s return. We’d hardly moved since Dad left, so there’s no distance we need to increase between us. But that doesn’t stop me from stepping away from the heat of Bear and this conversation, just in case. I feel like I’ve been caughteven if we did nothing more than talk to each other, than dream together.

Dad slows in front of the house, parks on the street right beside his motorcycle as if the two bikes are going home together. He hops off the burgundy Harley, enthusiasm radiating. “Smooth ride.”

He thinks it’s a done deal.

My teeth gnash.

Bear has once again slipped behind the mask he wore when we first arrived. “Glad you like it,” he replies, tone distant.

As I watch them chat about the bike—how smooth a ride it is, where its been—I can’t help but feel pangs of longing tethered by disappointment. The connection I felt with Bear moments ago feels like it’s slipping away, buried under layers of impossibility.

Dad turns to me with excitement. “Hey, Sage, you want to hop on and take it for a spin by yourself?”

“Bear’s not selling it,” I flatly say.

Dad frowns, “What the fuck?” instantly pissed off.

“He said he’s not.”

Dad looks between us, furious. “What the fuck is this?”

“He just told me he, uh…changed his mind.”

Bear clears his throat. “Sage has it wrong. I told her I wasn’t planning on selling itbeforeyou came into the diner.” He meets my eyes. “Sorry for the confusion. Guess I didn’t explain myself properly.” He switches his focus to Dad. “I’m not good at talking. It’s a man thing. I do want to sell, if you’re buying.”

I cock my head in utter confusion, but Dad relaxes, fury dissipating. “I’m buying, if she wants it. It’s my girl’s choice.” Dad asks, “Sage? Do you like the bike?”

“It’s beautiful, but I…” My gaze shifts between them as I try to understand what in the world just happened. “You’re really selling it? Youwantto part with it? It’s so beautiful!”

Bear smiles without guise, “I think it’ll be in good hands,” motioning to where the beast silently awaits my decision. “Why don’t you take it for a spin and see how you feel?”

Knowing I didn’t misunderstand him at all, that he truly wasn’t planning on selling his Harley, I sputter, “It’s been over a decade since I’ve driven one.”

Dad motions to the beast, “Sage, get on. I’ll give you a refresher,” and adds in order to reduce Bear’s ignorance, “I taught her how to ride back when she was sixteen.”

“And she’s how old now?”

Oh, sneaky bastard.

I answer, defiantly, “Almost thirty.”

“Good age to learn how to ride,” Bear says, dryly.

I keep my face placid so Dad doesn’t throw a punch. If he caught on that Bear didn’t mean motorcycles, this whole day would change.

“Doesn’t matter what age she is!” Dad snaps, “She’s a Martinez. We’re born to ride. Get on, Sage. We’ll have a lesson here.” Under his breath, he adds, “Your mom is gonna shit herself.”

Bear raises an eyebrow, “Your mom doesn’t want you riding?”

I glance to him, “Uh…no,” wishing I was skilled and could ride away like Sofia Sol does, all sexy and alluring, rather than dropping the thing immediately upon turning it on, which is probably what will happen.

“First things first,” Dad says, walking over to the Harley, grabbing and slapping on his helmet while handing me mine. “Let’s get you familiar with it. This is a big machine, and you need to respect it.”

I nod, snapping my helmet strap into place and stepping closer as Dad gestures toward the various parts of the Harley. He shows me the throttle, the clutch, and the brakes, explaininghow each one works. I listen intently, soaking in every detail, letting my memory return to me and attempt to solidify.

“Now, let’s get you on,” he says, stepping aside.

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